UNIVERSAL PHYSIQUE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

Universal Physique Fitness & Racquet Center is observing its 10th anniversary this year.

Ten years ago the facility had about 200 members compared with more than 2,000 members now.

Doug Friese, owner of the center at 505 S. Mount Auburn Road, adjacent to the Holiday Inn, said the business opened in June 1982 with a 3,000-square-foot facility.

"In the beginning," he said, "when the business was located on Broadway next to Dairy Queen, there was more of a gym-type atmosphere."

In September 1985, Universal Physique merged its memberships with two Cape Girardeau health clubs: Corinthian Spa and the Holiday Racquet Club.

Friese said, "We purchased their equipment, honored their memberships, and turned Universal Physique into more of a total fitness center."

He said the new facility opened with 30,000 square feet and later expanded to 40,000 square feet.

The fitness center offers weight training, cardiovascular equipment, aerobic classes, two indoor tennis courts, six racquetball courts, an indoor track, a nursery, tanning beds, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, a whirlpool and a sauna.

"We try to keep up on the latest equipment," Friese said. "Also, we're the only health club in this area to offer indoor tennis."

He said Universal Physique employs about 30 people and is among the largest health and fitness clubs in the Midwest. It is the largest between St. Louis and Memphis, he said.

"Every year our goal is to update equipment and facilities," Friese said. "My wife and I often go to seminars and other clubs in bigger cities to see the latest trends and styles.

"We're looking forward to getting better during the next 10 years. The fitness center started out just as a hobby, but it has turned into a pretty big business."

Friese said Universal Physique was his first business venture. He started the fitness center with a partner while he was a student at Southeast Missouri State University, from which he graduated in 1982 with a business degree.

He said the success of the business partially could be attributed to the rise in physical fitness concerns.

"There is no doubt that fitness in general is growing," he said. "Many people are adding fitness to their lifestyle as part of their daily routine."

When new members join, Friese said, they meet with a trainer after being given a complete fitness assessment.

The membership fee for one person is $29 a month. The fitness center offers a $19 limited membership to those who use the facilities during specific days and times.

Friese said the basic membership fee includes use of all the facilities except the tennis courts.

Holiday Inn guests can use the club for a small fee.

Universal Physique is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Friese said July and August are member appreciation months. For six weeks members will receive bonus points for various activities, and in August an auction and party will be held so that members can buy various prizes with the bonus points.